Irma Joosten (Radboudumc) | The role of NK cells. NK cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system and form a first line defense against tumor cells and infections, but have also the ability to detect HLA class I disparities via killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR).

David Sachs (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA) Translational aspects of transplantation tolerance.“Everything is impossible untill you do it. It is always possible to imagine problems.

Combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation. Mixed chimaera with donor for patients who did not want to be on immunosuppressive pills in the rest of their life. For some patients reality:HLA-Mismatched renal transplantation without maintenance immunosuppression. T. Kawai, D. Sachs, M. Sykes, N Engl J Med. 2013; 368(19): 1850–1852. Abstract

Marry de Klerk (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam) and Frank Dor Since 2002 the numbers of living donors have increased strongly. In 2014, more living donors than dead donors are counted in the Netherlands.The Dutch Transplantation Foundation coordinates an exchange program of pairs of donors and recipients. From 2004 till 2014, 614 pairs entered the program. 298 were matched, and 199 kidneys were donated.

Discussion about the shortage of donors Presumed consentfor organ donation goes against the principle of autonomy. Public voted: 29% false, 71% true. Prof. Inez de Beaufort: false, once you are dead you have no autonomy.